July 2017 Newsletter

Quest Sports Camp Review

Quest Sports Camp, which was held at the Vista Grande Community Center in early June, was a huge success! Not only was Quest a success in the number of children who attended, but also, and most importantly, in the presence of the Holy Spirit and unity amongst the volunteers and staff of the center. Our Christian Challenge college students were dedicated and joyful in their task of herding, teaching, and modeling the love of God to the 75 children who participated.

It couldn't have happened without the 30 committed volunteers who came and worked all 4 days with positive attitudes and patience for every child. Huge kudos, once again, to our awesome students in the youth ministry. They participated in the sports (basketball, soccer, and archery), and developed relationships with many of the children. We had some hot and long days and they stayed on task--huge thanks to all of you! 

The biggest praise goes to Almighty God for moving in the hearts of many children who committed their lives to following Jesus. Hallelujah!! When Pastor Charles asked the children to stand if they wanted to know more on how to put their faith in our Savior, the response was startling. Groups of 3 to 8 children being counseled were spread around the gymnasium praying and believing. It brought tears of joy to my eyes! 

Thank you, STORM, for blessing us with your presence and gift of puppetry; thank you, Hunter Harlan and Pastor Charles, for your gift of worship; thank you, Christian Challenge students, for your teaching; and thank you, registration staff, for keeping the sign-in/sign-out of participants flowing as smoothly as possible. 

God was in this outreach; thank you to every one of you who prayed for its success. We need to thank God with joyful hearts for trusting Vista Grande Church with this incredible task and fulfilling every need and every heart with His presence.

-Gayle DeRose

Is Jesus Worth It?

To some, Africa is too far a step to serve God.  To many Africans, Africa is too far a step to serve God. But as a Christian who has heard the Great Commission, not going or not sending is not an adequate answer.

Jake and I were blessed with an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Mozambique for two weeks. We got to see a view of Mozambique that I am sure many do not get to see.  If you were at church on June 18th, the Sunday after we both got back from our trip, you heard some stories and were encouraged to step out in faith, be lights in this world, and to set it ablaze for Jesus. If you missed it, our message is on the church website under “Sermons.”

In the time that I have had to process our trip, one thing has become abundantly clear: being obedient to Jesus normally means laying aside our pre-conceived notions of what it means to serve Him. John Piper says, "Missions exist because worship doesn't.” If we let that settle in, then the picture we see is not one of dread, but one of anticipation to take the Gospel of Jesus to all nations.

Can you say with your life that Jesus is worth it? What are you holding back from God?

-Michael Harding

July Calendar Event Details

· July 1—Youth Ministry Yard Sale Fundraiser, 8am-3pm @ VGC

· July 1—Men’s Breakfast, 8am-10am @ VGC, please RSVP with Tom Meluso (vista880m@gmail.com)

· July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30—8:30am Service @ VGC, coffee fellowship @ 8am

· July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30—10:30am Service @ VGC, coffee fellowship @ 10am

· July 2, 9, 23, 30—Youth Service, 5pm-7pm @ VGC

· July 5, 12, 19, 26—Prayer Meeting, 6pm @VGC

· July 5, 12, 19, 26—Men’s Study, 7pm-8:30pm @ VGC, a walkthrough of the book of James led by Pastor Charles

· July 6, 13, 20, 27—Worship Practice, 6pm-7pm @ VGC

· July 10-16—Youth Ministry Grand  Canyon Mission Trip, first two days spent locally focusing on evangelism training, remaining days spent at the Grand Canyon sharing the Gospel with fellow tourists

· July 23-27—Dulce Mission Trip, volunteers will help host VBS for children on the reservation

· July 27—Storehouse Mobile Pantry @ A Montoya Elementary School, time TBD, volunteers needed, contact Sheryl Stewart for details (sheryl@barry hess.com)